Author Topic: Which caliber for varmits (Read 613 times)

kenbev · « **on:** December 11, 2005, 06:39:34 AM »

A fellow that I work with is starting to varmit hunt and wants to get a Handi Rifle. He is stuck between the 204 and the 22-250. What is available in these two calibers (stocks & barrels) and what is your thoughts on each. This will be his first Handi....

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 11, 2005, 06:52:59 AM »

My first choice would be the 223 bull barrel , I am not a big fan of the 22/250

The 204 would also be a very good one.

I like the looks of the 204 Ultra Varmint fluted or the Ultra Varmint with the lam. stocks are nice too

http://www.hr1871.com/firearms/index.php?cat=4&subcat=41

http://www.hr1871.com/firearms/index.php?cat=4&subcat=22

Both would be a good one for a first Handi

Mac11700 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 11, 2005, 07:58:33 AM »

Wow...that's a hard decision to make...since they all shoot real good..I guess it would depend on what he was going after and how far he was going to shoot and how much shooting at 1 time he was going to do...The guys on the Parie Dog shoot had good luck with them all.....I don't have a personal favorite out of any of them...but others certainly do..mitchell has my bull barreled 243 shooting 1/4" groups with the Nosler CT 55 grain bullets...and his 204 is simple awsome as well...other guys 223's are to die for on the way they shoot the Winchester white box ammo...and I've heard the 22-250's are doing pretty darn good as well...even the long 26" 25-06 is doing extreamly well with varmint bullets...so...it is a real hard choice...

Good Luck

Mac

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** December 11, 2005, 08:44:41 AM »

Heh heh, I don't think it's a hard choice at all, get all of em!!!! :grin: The .243 is also available now in the 24" fluted bull barrel, both as an acc barrel and a complete rifle. Also, bear in mind that the .223 twist rate has/is changing from 1:12" to 1:9" for shooting heavier bullets in case that has any influence on your decision.

Oklahoma Lefty · « **Reply #4 on:** December 11, 2005, 09:15:49 AM »

If you want something to drop a coyotes try .243 with a 55gr. blitzking. I just killed one behind the house at 60 yards. He didn't even move, just droped like a rock.
Good luck
Oklahoma Lefty

mitchell · « **Reply #5 on:** December 11, 2005, 06:34:20 PM »

i'll try to find some targets tomorrow and post them . (you guys knew this topic would pull me out) if it where me i would buy a 204 , i love mine , i have going on 1000 rounds through mine now and it just keep getting better and better i have some 200 yard groups that look like 100 yards groups. But my 243 is just as good the only bad thing about the 243 is the way i'm shooting it i'll never see 1500-1700 and for a true varmint rifle you really need barrel life or just be ready to buy a new one when it goes (when my 243 dies i'll get a new one) . both would make great 300 yards coyote guns .

but if your really sticking with either the 204 or the 22-250 go with the 204 (mainly caz i just don't like the 22-250 anymore) and the 204 just plain out preforms the 22-250 in all aspects.

AZ223 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 11, 2005, 07:06:44 PM »

I'd go with a .223 Ultra. Mine is a 24" bull barrel (1:12 twist), and I get .5-.8" groups consistently. Handloads can get even smaller than that.

Your friend's choice of .204 and 22-250 suggest he likes higher velocity/flatter shooting rounds; nothing wrong with that. But all three rounds can be dead-on accurate in the H&R. Other factors would be the cost of ammo if he doesn't reload; the .223 is cheapest, the 22-250 is highest I believe. Or as suggested, he could go with a .243 and still be happy. In any case, I doubt he'll be disappointed no matter what he gets. But the great thing about Handi's is you'll never settle for having just one... :-D

myarmor · « **Reply #7 on:** December 11, 2005, 07:55:40 PM »

Yeap, H&R/NEF's strongest lineup(other than shotties)is the selection or small bores they offer.
-22LR
-22WMR
-17HM2
-17HMR
-22 Hornet
-204
-223
-22-250
-243
-25-06
Take your pick.
Not to mention if you are going for larger varmint/coyote calibers where the shots are limited and time is stretched between each other, then you have the other calibers that can be fine tune with handloads like the 280(gott'a love that 26" barrel) or 30-06.

GeorgiaDave · « **Reply #8 on:** December 13, 2005, 04:12:07 AM »

Hello from Georgia,
I must say that my favorite varmint cartridge is the .308 Win. I am aware that this is not considered by most to be a " varmint round" but it is sufficient for all varmints. My Ultra rifle has really settled down and now is producing some impressive groups out to 500 yards. As soon as deer season is over I have access to over 8,000 acres that has become infested with coyotes. I plan to make some Nosler 168 gr. injections at 500 yards or closer depending on the opportunities provided.

As far as the more "traditional" rounds the .223 is my favorite. It certainly does less pelt damage and is a nice flat shooter. For years I have been getting surplus 5.56 x 45 mm rounds, pulling the FMJ and reseating a 50 gr. PSP boattail. These are cheap enough to allow you to shoot as many as you like and really learn your rifle.

Good luck shooting those varmints !!!

Dave

Norseman112 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 13, 2005, 04:52:22 AM »

Well that is a very hard choice since I use different ones, I use .223 ultra, .243 handi and I love the .25-06 because you can load it down for varmits and you also have a deer round when you load it up. I would go with .223 1 and 9 twist.

John